Why you should attend the Ile Verte - Inventions Salon 2023 in Geneva

This week the Fongit team interviewed Grégory TROUSSIER from the Association Ile Verte and here is what he had to say:

1. Can you share with us a little bit about yourself and your current role?

I started my career 17 years ago and worked since then for the private sector, an International Organization, and the State and Republic of Geneva. Most recently (2017 – 2021) I was CEO of the startup I created. Currently, I am the CFO – Fundraiser of the Association Ile Verte. This is very new, I started only a few weeks ago! My responsibilities encompass financial management of the Association Ile Verte and the organization and coordination of the Ile Verte Salon that takes place during the Geneva Inventions. The next edition of Geneva Inventions – Ile Verte will happen from 26-30 April 2023.

2. You visited us at the last Coffee and Panettone edition at Fongit to share more about the Ile Verte foundation and event. Can you tell us what Ile Verte is and what the event is about?

Ile Verte was created 10 years ago by Mr. Narcisse NICHLAUS and Mr. Michel BARRO. It aims to promote innovation linked with GreenTechs and Sustainable Development technologies. The Association has no profit purposes.?

Back in 2013, it started with a few startups and innovative companies present at the Geneva Inventions Salon. During the last edition in 2019 (the last 3 editions did not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic) almost 20 % of the total area of the Geneva Inventions Salon was occupied by Ile Verte, 60 trade show exhibitors were present, conferences and round tables were organized as well as 2 networking events at night.

Swiss and European innovative firms are present during the Salon. The following sectors are represented: Food, Construction, BioTechs, Micro-Mobility, Finance, Water Treatment, Public Transportation, Energy Production and Storage, and Waste Management.

Ile Verte is the perfect place to meet inventors, find new partnerships and business angels and benefit from strong media coverage as well.

3. What are the benefits for startups attending and how can they sign up?

Startups attending the Geneva Inventions 2023 – Ile Verte will be accompanied by myself, Mr. Michel Barro, and our institutional partners during the preparation phase of the Salon but also during the event and after.

No matter if they are at an early stage, venture-funded, or at a late stage, their presence at Geneva Inventions 2023 will provide visibility during the salon and online, networking opportunities, potential commercial outputs, and, for those running the competition, a prize recognized worldwide. They will also have the opportunity to participate in round tables and exchange with key speakers and decision makers.

Notably, startups at an early stage are overloaded. Consequently, we give them the opportunity to present themselves in our startup village. The startup village is a shared resources area. We allow startups to come for a shorter period of time if they are not competing for the prize and if their product(s) remain(s) visible during the whole duration of the Salon.

It is easy to enroll through our website www.ileverte.ch by clicking on this link and / or by contacting me directly:

[email protected] / +41 76 378 84 64 / +41 22 342 08

4. How can partners engage with the work of the foundation all year round?

The Association Ile Verte is officially registered at the Geneva commercial register. Should you decide to participate directly or indirectly as an individual or as a firm we are actively recruiting! We exist solely by the will of the executive team of the Association and the financial resources we receive i.e donations, sponsorships, partnerships, and membership fees.

5. What is your message to entrepreneurs?

We are excited to support your startup if you decide to join us during Geneva Inventions 2023 – Ile Verte. Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster. Keep on rolling!